March 30, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
TORNADO WATCH ISSUED FOR ORLEANS PARISH, CITY ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today called for residents to prepare for potentially dangerous and damaging weather. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), strong to severe storms are expected across the region later today, from approximately 5 p.m. onwards.
Orleans Parish is under a Tornado Watch until 9 p.m. Although there currently is no tornado in the area, conditions are favorable for one to develop. If a Tornado Warning is issued by the NWS, residents must seek shelter immediately:
- If in a building, go to an interior room on the lowest level, like a closet or bathroom.
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
- If outside, protect yourself: drive to the closest sturdy shelter
Residents can visit ready.nola.gov/tornado for updates and tips.
Strong to severe storms may bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall, and there is a possibility for large hail and tornadoes. A High Wind Warning is in effect through 9 p.m. Today’s strong winds may also push water onto south-facing shores, leading to elevated tides one to two feet above normal. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect now through 1 a.m. tomorrow for areas outside of levee protection.
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP), in close communication with NWS, is currently monitoring the weather and will continue to do so into the night. The Orleans Parish Communications District is on standby status and will elevate to a Level 2 Activation if needed. The Department of Public Works has and will continue to clean and unclog catch basins, as well as keeping crews on standby to respond.
In response to the incoming weather event, all library locations closed at 3 p.m. today. Additionally, municipal and traffic court of New Orleans closed today at 2 p.m. and will reopen tomorrow morning at 8 a.m.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has suspended streetcar service and buses will replace streetcar service along all routes. The bus route to the West Bank will also be suspended until winds subside later this evening.
The New Orleans RTA has also suspended ferry service along the Chalmette - Lower Algiers route due to increased winds. Service will remain suspended until further notice. The Algiers Point - Canal Street ferry route has also suspended service.
For more information on transportation impacts, residents can call Rideline at 504-248-3900 or visit the agency’s website at www.norta.com.
Parking restrictions on neutral grounds will be suspended from 3 p.m. today to 9 a.m. tomorrow. When parking on the neutral ground, residents are reminded not to block intersections or streetcar tracks. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin.
Residents should prepare for severe weather ahead of today’s storms:
- Prepare homes and neighborhoods for heavy rain by removing debris from gutters and downspouts and cleaning in front of catch basins to help rain get to the drain.
- Call 3-1-1 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning.
- Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside.
- Secure or bring garbage bins inside.
- Stay weather aware. Have a way to receive emergency information including watches and warnings.
- Residents should be ready to take shelter if NWS issues a Tornado Warning for Orleans Parish.
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans currently has 97 of 99 major drainage pumps available for use. All underpass pumps are available. An interactive map of the drainage system can be found here.
Turbines 4, 5 and 6 are available and four of five EMDs are available. For a full current pumping and power equipment status, visit: Pumping and Power Equipment Status - Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (swbno.org).
See additional tips for severe storms and tornadoes on the NOLA Ready website. Stay up to date by signing up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts by texting NOLAREADY to 77295 and by following us on Twitter @nolaready.
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